President Biden signs sweeping veterans’ health package into law

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BlogCongress and the President have enacted bipartisan legislation to expand VA health and disability benefits to toxic-exposed veterans.President Biden signs sweeping veterans’ health package into law
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Blog
President Biden signs sweeping veterans’ health package into law
On August 10, President Biden signed the bipartisan Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law, ushering in a significant expansion of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability and health benefits for veterans suffering from medical conditions due to toxic exposure during their military service. Counties support the PACT Act, which will ensure millions of veterans can now access the federal health care they are owed for sacrifice to the nation.
An estimated 3.5 million veterans were exposed to environmental hazards and other toxic substances, such as burn pits, during the Global War on Terror alone. However, burdensome procedural hurdles have long blocked access to VA medical care and disability coverage for these and other toxic-exposed service members. In response, the PACT Act adds 23 burn pit and toxic exposure-related conditions to VA’s list of service presumptions and expands presumptions related to Agent Orange exposure, allowing VA to assume certain medical conditions are the result of military service during a given period in a specific location. The new law also expands VA health care eligibility for ten years to certain post-9/11 combat veterans, and it creates a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure. To support implementation of these provisions, the PACT Act further invests in VA’s resources and training, claims processing, workforce and health care facilities.
Under the PACT Act, millions of veterans will be newly eligible to file claims for critical medical care and disability benefits. In 29 states, County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) will be on the front lines assisting veterans with this often complex process. Though these officers primarily work to help veterans access their federal benefits, they are supported almost entirely by counties and local taxpayers, creating challenges for areas with high demand and counties serving veterans in rural areas.
The expected rise in caseloads stemming from the PACT act underscore the need for Congress to swiftly pass the bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act (H.R. 4601/S.2405), which would authorize $250 million over five years for states to expand CVSOs or similar government entities. These federal resources will be essential for ensuring that this county workforce is prepared to help veterans access the health and disability benefits they so urgently need. Counties urge Congress to pass the CVSO Act immediately to support effective implementation of the PACT Act at the local level.
On August 11, VA also launched a landing page to communicate information about the PACT Act, including processes for eligible veterans to apply for benefits.
NACo will continue to monitor the Biden Administration’s implementation of the PACT Act and Congressional action on the CVSO Act.
TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT VETERANS
Counties are invited to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans this fall to make sure veterans in our communities know they are seen, welcome and supported. To send a letter to your Representatives and Senators in support of the CVSO Act, use this NACo template.
Congress and the President have enacted bipartisan legislation to expand VA health and disability benefits to toxic-exposed veterans.2022-08-10Blog2022-08-16
On August 10, President Biden signed the bipartisan Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law, ushering in a significant expansion of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability and health benefits for veterans suffering from medical conditions due to toxic exposure during their military service. Counties support the PACT Act, which will ensure millions of veterans can now access the federal health care they are owed for sacrifice to the nation.
An estimated 3.5 million veterans were exposed to environmental hazards and other toxic substances, such as burn pits, during the Global War on Terror alone. However, burdensome procedural hurdles have long blocked access to VA medical care and disability coverage for these and other toxic-exposed service members. In response, the PACT Act adds 23 burn pit and toxic exposure-related conditions to VA’s list of service presumptions and expands presumptions related to Agent Orange exposure, allowing VA to assume certain medical conditions are the result of military service during a given period in a specific location. The new law also expands VA health care eligibility for ten years to certain post-9/11 combat veterans, and it creates a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure. To support implementation of these provisions, the PACT Act further invests in VA’s resources and training, claims processing, workforce and health care facilities.
Under the PACT Act, millions of veterans will be newly eligible to file claims for critical medical care and disability benefits. In 29 states, County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) will be on the front lines assisting veterans with this often complex process. Though these officers primarily work to help veterans access their federal benefits, they are supported almost entirely by counties and local taxpayers, creating challenges for areas with high demand and counties serving veterans in rural areas.
The expected rise in caseloads stemming from the PACT act underscore the need for Congress to swiftly pass the bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act (H.R. 4601/S.2405), which would authorize $250 million over five years for states to expand CVSOs or similar government entities. These federal resources will be essential for ensuring that this county workforce is prepared to help veterans access the health and disability benefits they so urgently need. Counties urge Congress to pass the CVSO Act immediately to support effective implementation of the PACT Act at the local level.
On August 11, VA also launched a landing page to communicate information about the PACT Act, including processes for eligible veterans to apply for benefits.
NACo will continue to monitor the Biden Administration’s implementation of the PACT Act and Congressional action on the CVSO Act.
TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT VETERANS
Counties are invited to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans this fall to make sure veterans in our communities know they are seen, welcome and supported. To send a letter to your Representatives and Senators in support of the CVSO Act, use this NACo template.

About Rachel Mackey (Full Bio)
Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services
Rachel serves as legislative director for human services and education.More from Rachel Mackey
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Operation Green Light for Veterans 2023: County Participation Toolkit
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Reports & Toolkits
Operation Green Light for Veterans 2023: County Participation Toolkit
Find resources to help your county participate in Operation Green Light, including information on converting municipal lighting to green, outreach materials and more. -
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Authorize Resources for County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs)
ACTION NEEDED: Urge your members of Congress to reintroduce and pass the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act (H.R. 984/S.106), which would authorize federal funding to expand and strengthen County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs). -
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House passes CVSO Act to support veterans
On November 29, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider the bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act (H.R. 4601/S. 2405). Counties strongly support this legislation as it would increase the ability of state, county, municipal and tribal veteran service officers to support veterans as they navigate the wide range of their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits including health care, housing and transition assistance programs. -
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Operation Green Light for Veterans: Highlights and Next Steps for Counties
Nov. 29, 2022 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmJoin us for a webinar reflecting on Operation Green Light and learn about opportunities to continue serving and supporting veterans at the county level.
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Veterans and Military Services Committee
The Veterans and Military Service Committee engages NACo and its members to develop and highlight county best practices and policies to promote innovative programs, services and benefits for our nation’s military, veterans and their families.pagepagepage<p>The Veterans and Military Service Committee engages NACo and its members to develop and highlight county best practices and policies to promote innovative programs, services and benefits for our nation’s military, veterans
Contact
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Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services(202) 661-8843
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